The crossing has been regularly used for many years by local people. It is controlled by red and green lights and an audio warning.

But Network Rail said people could disregard warning lights, and pointed out that almost 200 trains pass the crossing every day.

“In the longer term, we aim to build a footbridge, but to keep people safe, we have closed the crossing until that time” the spokesman added.

A Leicestershire County Council spokeswoman said: “Network Rail applied for an emergency closure of the crossing at the beginning of July but this was refused as there is no evidence to suggest there has been an increase in danger at the crossing.”

The spokesman said the council would seek to ensure the crossing “is restored to use as soon as possible”.